What is our philosophy and method?
With the classic psychotherapeutic offer in Prof. Stark’s practice and the additional innovative interaction program of the Prof. Stark Institute, Prof. Stark and his team have tasked you with this therapeutic support in a holistic approach based on Prof. Stark’s method.
In diagnosing and treating stress symptoms, it’s crucial to remember that not only the psychological side plays a role, but the interrelationships with physical causes and effects must also always be recorded. This aspect is vital to me as a medical doctor and specialist in psychiatry, psychotherapeutic medicine, and psychotherapy.
Psychosomatics
Psychosomatics (from ancient Greek psyche for breath/soul and soma for body/life) is a term used in medicine to describe research and teaching on the effects of thoughts and feelings (psyche) on physical functions. Mental reactions of people in health and illness are observed in their interrelationships with bodily processes and social living conditions, and their effects on the development and therapy of primarily somatic illnesses are researched.
In psychology, on the other hand, somatopsychology examines the effects of physical (somatic) diseases on emotional and cognitive processes. A plethora of physical illnesses and disorders can directly or indirectly cause psychological problems. These include genetic, endocrine/metabolic, or diet-related causes, brain disorders, organ diseases, infections, drugs, poisons, and medications.
However, it should be noted that the mechanism by which the psyche and body are linked cannot be clearly clarified and that the theoretical models for explaining the established relationships vary considerably in both fields.
However, there is a danger that the psychological component will be prematurely assumed to be the cause of the disorder. As a result, incorrect or health-endangering therapies are prescribed. It’s important to remember that patients with ME/CFS are particularly exposed to this misinterpretation. Depression is hastily assumed here, and the therapeutic measures derived from this, namely physical activity, are dangerous to the health of this vulnerable clientele.
Axel Schweickhardt defined in 2005 (pp. 5 and 7): “Psychosomatics means that body and soul are two inextricably linked aspects of the human being that are only differentiated for methodological reasons or better understanding. This does not imply “linear” causality in the sense that mental disorders cause physical illness. Such a thing would lead to a dualism in which there are diseases with psychological origin and diseases with somatic origin. “
(Kurt Fritzsche, Michael Wirsching, Axel Schweickhardt, eds., Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy ( Springer textbook), Heidelberg 2005, pp. 5 and 7.
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Therefore, this psychosomatic approach must be supplemented with a holistic approach based on systems theory, which goes beyond simplistic, dualistic cause-and-effect models.
Holistic theories
Holistic theories state that the properties of individual, isolated parts cannot explain the properties of a whole. Problem areas are, therefore, to be seen in all their connections, and a one-sided consideration of individual aspects should be avoided. Body, mind, and soul cannot be separated. All physical, mental, and spiritual processes are mutually dependent and form a ‚wholeness,‘ the elements of which are reciprocal and relate to each other and to the outside world in which they operate.
This model is based on the systems theory of Karl Ludwig von Bertalanffy (1901-1972), according to which the human being is an ‚open system‘, ie. a system whose boundaries are permeable to the environment, which affects the environment and is at the same time influenced by it. The human being is seen as a ‚bio-psycho-social being‘ with the other ’system components‘ such as social environment, natural and artificial environment, religion/spirituality, etc. In other words, the conditions of the body act on the mind, and the mind acts on the body. Further, there is the interaction between the individual and his social environment and the environment with which he is in constant correlation. It is, therefore, a ‚totality‘ of physical, psychological, and spiritual, as well as social and environmental conditions that impact the well-being of humans and influence the disease and healing process.
These considerations form the core of holistic psychotherapy. However, there is no uniform model for the interactions between the body, psychological processes, social environment, etc., so the range of therapeutic approaches is correspondingly broad.
Prof. Stark’s unique method of diagnosing and treating psychological and physical stress symptoms is founded on these fundamental assumptions.
It is the culmination of decades of experience in scientifically founded, medical, and therapeutic engagement with individuals struggling with acute and chronic psychosomatic stress and illnesses who have lost the ability to self-regulate and determine their personal and social lives.
The holistic Prof. Stark method of diagnosis and therapy is a comprehensive approach that considers and treats the sick person in their complex internal and external relationship system. This thoroughness assures that all aspects of the individual’s health are being addressed.
Suppose one or more of these fundamentals become unstable due to stress and exhaustion, burnout, or depression. In that case, they must be strengthened in individual steps. Different forms of treatment and intensity are used in therapy depending on the focus needed, which are tailored to the individual’s physical and psychological needs.
The aim of the diagnosis and therapy of psychological and physical stress symptoms is the careful consideration of all aspects of „being ill.“ In an intensive process between patient and therapist, the personal ideas and conditions of the patient as an individual, as a partner and family member, and as part of his social environment in work and leisure are clarified to gain a deeper understanding of his personality and become aware of himself and his very own needs. Based on this, individual treatment strategies for conflict limitation and stress reduction are developed, contributing to greater satisfaction and health. In this way, not the psychosomatic „illness“ but the holistic state of the person is recorded. In addition to an evaluation and therapy based on psychotherapeutic discussions, physical diagnosis and therapy methods are also included. This holistic approach has proven to be particularly effective in cases in which no precise medical diagnoses can be made, such as acute and chronic pain, exhaustion, sleep disorders, burn-out, depression, and fatigue.
Through the various interlocking forms of therapy that work specifically on the psychological and physical level, the overall effectiveness is mutually reinforced, and the recovery process can progress simultaneously on all levels until the goal, the restoration of a psychologically, emotionally, and physically balanced personality, which then has regained the ability to act independently. In this way, healing takes place holistically.
Behavioral therapy
You can find out more here if you would like to gain insight into the principles and workings of behavior therapy, which is the basis of psychotherapeutic treatment.
How does behavior therapy actually work?“> Behavior Therapy »
Energy models
We present an introduction to the models for dealing with our energies developed within the framework of Prof. Stark’s method for diagnosing and treating stress and fatigue disorders.
Models for dealing with our energies“> Energy models»
The role of personality
Who knows who he is, who knows each other so well that he can say for himself what he needs and is looking for in his life? We all have specific ideas about who we are and what we want, but knowing yourself is one of the most challenging tasks in life.